A quiet evening in al barsha turned into chaos on tuesday night as a sudden explosion rocked the al zarooni building, just metres from the mall of the emirates. The fire, later determined to have been ignited by a gas leak at the pearl view restaurant on the ground floor of the building, compelled residents to leave their homes and find temporary refuge elsewhere.
Among them was Rob, a Filipino expat residing on the first floor.
‘we heard a loud explosion at about 8:40pm,’ rob told khaleej times
Rob stayed overnight at a friend’s house, which was just one of the many instances where people relied on the generosity of their neighbors during the crisis.
Second fire in the area raises alarm
The affected building is alarmingly close—just about 100 metres—to the residential complex that caught fire on december 30 last year, raising concerns about fire safety standards in the bustling al barsha district.
Luckily, no one was hurt, and emergency responders acted promptly to control the fire and ensure the safe evacuation of residents.
🚒 authorities urge vigilance
The fire and rescue services confirmed that the incident originated from a gas leak in the restaurant’s kitchen, once again emphasizing the significance of regular safety inspections in buildings that serve multiple purposes.
A formal investigation is currently being conducted to evaluate the extent of the damage and ascertain whether safety protocols were properly adhered to.
🙋♀️ Were you there? Discuss your encounter.
How did the al barsha fire impact you? Recognize someone familiar? We would love to hear your narrative. Please share your personal experience in the comments to help raise awareness and promote safety within your community.
From unexpected blasts to sudden relocations, incidents like these serve as reminders that safety begins with being aware and prepared.